8/14/2018 3:54 PM PDT

Shaunie O'Neal believes the guys who tried to rob her house were definitely using social media to case the joint ... and tells TMZ Sports she's laid down some new rules so it doesn't happen again.

The "Basketball Wives" creator busted some dopes trying to bust into her L.A. house this weekend, and used the Ring home security system to put the fear of God in them, making the would-be burglars retreat.

We talked to Shaquille O'Neal's ex-wife -- and she told us she recognized one of the perps from a previous attempted break-in ... and believes they're using social media to see if the coast is clear.

"I'm assuming though that they are watching social media because the first time he tried we were all in Vegas."

Shaunie says the family has been shaken by the events ... and they've decided to change the way they post to make sure no one knows when they are home, or out on the go.

"That was our family meeting last night -- no more posting current situations. We can't do that."

It wouldn't be the first time it's happened ... celebs like Kim Kardashian have toned down their social media exploits after feeling crooks used it against them, choosing to play it safe so they don't end up sorry.

"If someone really wants to get in your house they have that moment to do that. It's how safe do you really feel?"

8/14/2018 1:53 PM PDT

Carmelo Anthony wants all the talk of him coming off the bench for the Houston Rockets to slooooow down ... with the NBA superstar telling TMZ Sports, "Let's just let it play out!"

FYI ... Melo is one of TWO NBA players to have never started a game on the bench in their first 1,000-plus career games -- joining Patrick Ewing.

But, some critics are predicting that streak to end now that Anthony's in his mid-30s with a lot of NBA miles on his body. Plus, there's so much talent in H-Town with guys like James Harden and Chris Paul -- so, ﻿there might not be enough basketball to go around.

Carmelo ain't so sure about all that, though ... telling us, "I just signed, let it start first!"

There's one other thing Melo's telling us to wait and see about ... and it has to do with his relationship with Mike D'Antoni -- who famously admitted to quitting the Knicks because of Melo in 2012.

Before that incident, McCoy had filed court docs seeking to have her evicted from the home -- claiming they had broken up and he wanted her gone. She resisted and now Cordon has filed court docs of her own.

In the docs, Cordon claims McCoy illegally removed roughly $10,000 in furniture that she owned during a "wrongful eviction" back in June -- and she wants it back.

She also claims McCoy accused her of stealing his Kobes -- a claim she adamantly denies.

"Ms. Cordon does not know anything about Kobe Bryant sneakers nor would she have a reason to take Kobe Bryant sneakers," her lawyer wrote in an email to McCoy's attorney.

The case is set to go in front of the judge Tuesday -- McCoy is not expected to attend in person since he's at Bills training camp.

8/14/2018 8:43 AM PDT

Breaking News

Redskins star D.J. Swearinger just snatched Terrelle Pryor's soul -- throwing a fake punch at the NY Jets wide receiver ... who FLINCHED like a biiiiiiiiiiiiitch in front of everyone!!!!

It all went down at 'Skins camp in Richmond, Virginia -- where Washington had a joint practice with the Jets. Remember, Pryor was a complete bust last season in D.C. after signing a 1-year, $6-MILLION deal.

The 'Skins obviously haven't forgotten that ... 'cause after the wideout lost a rep to defensive back Montae Nicholson ... they talked all kinds of trash -- and then D.J. Swearinger stepped in.

8/14/2018 8:18 AM PDT

Breaking News

Great news for Leonys Martin ... the Cleveland Indians outfielder is expected to make a full recovery just days after being hospitalized with a life-threatening bacterial infection.

Martin was placed on the 10-day disabled list last week after falling ill. He complained that he wasn't feeling well, but clearly didn't know the seriousness of the situation at the time. Doctors later discovered Martin had a bacterial infection that had entered his bloodstream and was causing his organs to shut down.

The Tribe released an update on Martin's health on Tuesday ... saying he's "made considerable progress and is currently in stable condition."

"The medical team is optimistic that he will make a full recovery, but progress is expected to be slow," the team says.

"The collective focus is to help Leonys return to full health, and there have been no considerations regarding a timeline for his return to baseball activities."

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